A Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Brisbane made an emergency descent after a sudden loss of cabin pressure, prompting oxygen mask deployment. Passengers, many panicked, are being offered counseling. The aircraft landed safely, with crew praised for calm, professional handling.

Council of the City of Sydney

A Virgin Australia flight traveling from Sydney to Brisbane was forced to make an emergency descent after experiencing a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure. The incident occurred about half an hour into the flight, prompting the deployment of oxygen masks and a rapid descent from 37,000 feet to under 10,000 feet, a safe altitude for breathing without supplemental oxygen.

The crew followed standard operating procedures, issuing a 'pan' call to air traffic control, which is one step below a mayday alert. The plane landed safely in Brisbane with no injuries reported among passengers or crew. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has not yet launched an investigation into the incident, which is considered rare in Australian aviation.

Virgin Australia flight drops 30,000 feet after cabin pressure loss

Rapid descent, emergency. Three words no passenger wants to hear. Half an hour into flight VA993 from Sydney to Brisbane last night, the captain's call came over. Flight attendants scrambled to their seats, oxygen masks deployed. Passenger Hayley MacDonald was on board and feared for her life. She text her husband, planes dropping, emergency landing, love you. In less than 15 minutes, the flight dropped from 37,000 feet to under 10,000, a height considered safe for passengers and crew of the aircraft to breathe without the need for supplemental oxygen. A hectic situation for the pilots to deal with and for the passengers quite confronting to have the aircraft descending rapidly. A photo uploaded to X appears to show a view from the rear of the plane, masks deployed to passengers. Ten minutes later than scheduled, the plane landed safe and sound and to applause. In a statement, Virgin Australia said the crew took appropriate steps following standard operating procedures. As part of that process, a pan call was transmitted to air traffic control. The alert one step short of mayday. It's insignificant. It means that you are in a situation that you need some help. Putting out a pan call raises the alert, gives you attention and means that the traffic control can make sure that they support you in your needs. After their safe landing in Brisbane, the pilot addressed passengers saying they'd had a catastrophic loss of pressure in the cabin, something that can have fatal consequences quickly. Their rapid descent necessary to keep people alive, including those flying the plane. In 2005, Helios Airways flight 522 crashed into a mountain north of Athens, carrying 121 people flying on autopilot for hours. Everyone on board was unconscious after the pressurisation system was left on manual mode. Incidents like these are fortunately rare in Australia. There have been 65 depressurisation emergencies reported to the ATSB since 2014. Virgin Australia says no injuries were reported by passengers or crew. The ATSB is yet to launch an investigation. Pippa Sheehan, 10 News.

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